The December Lowdown

Wishing you all the sweetest of holidays.

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Hey. You guys really blow my mind.

That was one amazing evening.

Photo by Gypsyshooter.com

On behalf of Shakerag Productions and Pretty Cool Music, I'd like to thank each and every one of you who came out to support Paul in his time of need. A giant thank you to Zeke and Darcie Williams and family for hosting the show at their beautiful homeplace and special thanks to Joseph Saccocci for putting together the most memorable musical lineup. Much appreciation to the fine chefs at the Burgers for Berger booth and to David Dowling for his fascinating archive of St. Augustine's musical family as well as Paul's luthierie library. Gratitude to everyone who donated items for the silent auction as well as those who bid on them. Hugs to Andrew Douglass and BIll Parker for a great sound show. Twas a sweet success in all ways. Together these fine folks put forth one heck a night for us all!

Thanks also to Bob Patterson, Bob Wilhelm, Jim and Rachel Carrick, Al Poindexter, Ron Spencer, Tuck Tucker, Steve Pruitt, my fellow Gatorbone and Driftwood bandmates, Todd Sheaffer and Peter Rowan for their time and musical magic.

Thanks to master luthier, Paul Berger, for bringing so much joy to so many. 

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Belmont & Jones

upcoming engagements near you. Now don't miss this.

Thursday, Dec 6

7-9 pm

Wild Greens Cafe

915-2 Railroad Ave, Tallahassee, FL

(850) 422-2131

Friday, Dec 7

6-9 pm

The Dive First Fridays

25 NE 1st Ave, High Springs, FL

(386) 454-5700

Saturday, Dec 8

7 pm*

Anhinga Roost / Pithlachocco Concert Series

11803 NE 7th Ave, Gainesville

(352) 376-6860 OR (352) 281-9245

*Potluck dinner starts at 6 pm

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Friday, 12.7.12

The Madrigalz

debut performance of 2012.

First Friday, Mane de Leon next to Butterfield's Garage.

7:30 pm.

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A few days left to make your rezzie.

12.12.12

Debut performance at The Mockingbird!

The Gatorbone Band

(Gabe Valla, Jason Thomas, Lon and Lis Williamson)

in concert

Yes! The Gatorbone Band is making their debut at this favorite Tallahassee music and food destination. Please make your reservations early as seating is limited. 

Thanks friends!

The Mockingbird Cafe

Tallahassee, Fla. 

Tickets $15.00

7:00 pm.

Limited seating, please make your reservation early

850-222-4956

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12.13.12

The Gatorbone Trio

returns to Creekside Dinery

5:30 pm.

Hope you can make it!

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Friday, December 14th

Lon, Rick and I 

at 

The Reef!

Music starts at 6:30.

Thanks folks!

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Saturday, December 15th

The Aaron O'Rourke Trio

in concert!!

at The European Street Listening Room

5500 Beach Boulevard

Jax, Fla.

Don't miss this either!!

8:00 pm.

Call (904) 399-1740 to reserve your seat

$10.00

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The Madrigalz are back!

Happily, The Madrigalz are returning to Creekside and Saltwater Cowboys this holiday season. An a cappella ladies singing trio, Angie Christensen, Judy Bernhard and Lis Williamson perform traditional Christmas carols for your listening pleasure.

Here are our dates... please make a note and join us if you can!

Saltwater Cowboys..... December 15th, 21st 

(904) 471-2332

Creekside Dinery....... December 16th, 22nd

(904) 829-6133

6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Thanks friends!

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December 28th

The Driftwoods 

return to Creekside Dinery

5:30 until...

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Thanks for supporting the arts in general and live music in particular!

Remembering Michelle

Remembering Michelle...

Today is a day of great sadness for me and in the folk world of Florida at large. Michelle Moncrief Lowe passed away last week and her departure from this world will be felt by countless friends, fans and loved ones. She was a true hero of mine and an inspiration in my early days of wanting so much to be a musician in the Florida folk scene. She was one of a handful of ladies out there doing it, playing and singing her heart out, with great chops and vocals. I am grateful I was able to see her several times over the last year, only because, despite her illness, she continued to perform. 

What a gal she was.

I will never forget her or the many gifts she gave to me and The Florida Folk Tribe of which we are all so blessed to be a part. Below is a beautiful article written by Ron Johnson, friend, writer, singer/songwriter and musician I wanted to share with you all. 

Peace to you all dear friends as we mourn and celebrate the rich and giving life of Michelle Moncrief Lowe. 

November 9th, 2012

by Ron Johnson, Times Union

     In the early pre-dawn hours of November 8th, Michelle Lowe, a Florida musician and a great folk artist, passed on from this world. Her husband Steve was by her side. Michelle was a beautiful soul, celebrated within the Florida Folk family and she will be dearly missed by those who loved her.

     Michelle was primarily a bass player and she was referred to as "The Queen of Harmony." She is best known for her music and singing with one of the finest folk and vocal groups in the state, The Ashley Gang.

     Michelle Lowe grew up in the Winter Park area and eventually she began to play music in and around Gainesville. She was soon a regular, playing music throughout that area including Flagler Beach, Cody's Corner and Hog Town.

     Michelle later played throughout Florida and the Southeastern US area with Brouhaha and David Russell. Many remember her performances with Will McLean and Don Grooms, and they lobbied persistently for her talented vocal and bass accompaniment whenever they toured.

     Michelle began performing with folk singer and songwriter Joe Marks at  various folk festivals as well as clubs and music venues in and around St. Augustine. Joe and Michelle's music was a blend of traditional and contemporary themes that remain the substance and fabric of American folk music.

     Eventually she hooked up with Al Scortino and Paul Garfinkel, along with Norm McDonald, Bob Bronar and Kay Garfinkel to form one of the finest vocal and musical groups in the state, the Ashley Gang (named after the notorious bank robbing gang that was famously gunned down at Sebastian Bridge on November 15, 1924, as they attempted to make a getaway to Jacksonville).

     Michelle's and the Ashley Gangs use of harmony and vocals were (and remain) ledgendary. Songs like "The River Road," "Florida Sky," "I'm An American," "The Creek," "Crackertown," "Duval Nights" and their signature "The Day the Ashley Gang Went Down" are true Florida folk classics.They have built a significant fan following and are always one of the most popular groups to see at the shows and festivals they participate in.

     Today the Ashley Gang, directed primarily through the writings of Al Scortino and Paul Garfinkel, continue to produce some of the best CD's and songs ever written about the Sunshine State. They have recorded at least six outstanding CD's, their latest being "A Girl In Oklahoma."

     Michelle's love of her family (Becky & Jamie), husband Steve and her Mother (Lillian) was well known. Her passion for horses and especially music touched many hearts.

     Michelle's valiant struggle to overcome cancer ended early Thursday morning and her spirit was set free. A memorial service is currently being planned and will be announced by her family.

     Today, in Florida history, we acknowledge and celebrate Michelle Lowe, a Florida musician and superb talent, a beautiful lady who gave us years of friendship and the joy of music.

The Big Wheel

On behalf of Frank Lindamood, The Cicada Ladies and The Aaron O'Rourke Trio, I'd like to send out a great big Thank You to all who came to our shows this weekend in Tallytown and Monticello!!

Twas most appreciated by all.

Here's what coming up on The Big Wheel....

Saturday, November 10th

Ladies with Lyrics

This promises to be a most fun evening. I'll be teaming up with Susan Brown and Elaine Mahon for an evening of song sharing with these two fine friends and singer-songwriters! Please join us if you can, we'd love it. 

Three girls and their buddy....

Susan Brown

Elaine Mahon 

Lis Williamson

with special guest, Jamie DeFrates

in concert

The European Street Cafe

5500 Beach Boulevard

Jacksonville, Fla. 

(904) 399-1740 for reservations

$10.00 at the door

8:00 pm show

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11.11.12

The Driftwoods 

return

to Creekside Dinery!

Music starts around 5:30 pm.

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November 11, 2012

"Dulcimaniacs!"

 Bing Futch and David Beede
Sunday November 11th
Concert starts at 5:00 PM
Melanie Grogan's scrumptious light hors d'oeuvres at 4:30!!Seven Stars Farm in Melrose Fla.

352-213-3658

bingfutch.com

www.davidbeede.com

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THE CLAIRE LYNCH BAND

Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 7:30pm

Unity of Gainesville / Gainesville, FL

Ticket Price: $20

For RESERVATIONS: 352-373-1030 or email cathydew@gmail.com

From Cathy DeWitt:

Claire has been a positive and beloved force in bluegrass and country music since her days with the Front Porch String Band in the 80's. After a long hiatus while raising her family, she came back to music via a different route. Twice voted vocalist of the year by the IBMA,  Claire also sang harmony on “The Grass is Blue” and “Little Sparrow” which led to promotional touring as backup vocalist for Dolly Parton (Dolly has described Claire as "one of the sweetest, purest and best lead voices in the music business today.")  She graced albums by other artists with her background vocals including Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, Pam Tillis, Alison Brown, Patty Loveless, Kathy Mattea and Ralph Stanley.  Today, the impressive list of other guest appearances continues including spots on albums by Donna the Buffalo, Sara Watkins, the Gibson Brothers, Jonathan Edwards and Jesse Winchester. In 2005, Lynchstruck out on her own, forming the Claire Lynch Band and releasing the aptly named “New Day” CD. It was a hit on the bluegrass charts and earned her IBMA nominations for “Song of the Year” and “Female Vocalist of the Year.”  In 2007, Rounder Records featured her brilliant catalog of music from her previous five albums on their label and titled the anthology collection, “Crowd Favorites”. More IBMA nominations followed as well as an induction into the Alabama Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.

Claire's band includes Matt Wingate, Bryan McDowell and Mark Schatz. You won't want to miss the onstage clogging!

Make your reservation now and come enjoy this wonderful music in the comfy chairs of this intimate and acoustically sound listening environment.  Call 373-1030 or email cathydew@gmail.com for reservations.

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

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Friday, November 23rd...

Lon and I and Rick

back at

The Reef!

Music starts at 6:30 pm.

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11.29.12

The Gatorbone Trio

at

Creekside Dinery

5:30 pm.

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Yes! They're doing it again!

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Shakerag Productions and Pretty Cool Music presents... 

Paul Berger Benefit!!!

12.2.12

Hey. Please go and get your calendar and write this down right now! There is a big benefit concert in the works to help Paul Berger, beloved luthier and friend to all in St. Augustine with some medical expenses. Joseph Saccocci of Shake Rag Productions and Zeke Williams of Pretty Cool Music are teaming up and putting together an all star lineup of Berger guitar owners and players for this special event....

Peter Rowan

Todd Shafer (of Railroad Earth)

The Gatorbone Band

Jim & Rachel Carrick

and more...

Please click on the poster for details. It will be held in St. Augustine and begin in the afternoon and go into the early evening. Please visit www.shakeragculturecenter.org for the details and to purchase your tickets. Tickets also available at Simple Gestures and Music Matters in St. Augustine. Seating is limited so please purchase your tickets early! 

Write to pcm2@bellsouth.net or musicman@shakeragculturecenter.org for a reservation. 

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12.12.12

The Gatorbone Band

(Gabe Valla, Jason Thomas, Lon and Lis Williamson)

in concert

Yes! The Gatorbone Band is making their debut at this favorite Tallahassee music and food destination. Please make your reservations early as seating is limited. 

Thanks friends!

The Mockingbird Cafe

Tallahassee, Fla. 

Tickets $15.00

7:00 pm.

Limited seating, please make your reservation early

850-222-4956

 ********************** 

   

Happily, The Madrigalz are returning to Creekside and Saltwater Cowboys this holiday season. An a cappella ladies singing trio, Angie Christensen, Judy Bernhard and Lis Williamson perform traditional Christmas carols for your listening pleasure.

Here are our dates... please make a note and join us if you can!

The Madrigalz

December 7th 

First Friday !

 Mane de Leon Hair Salon 

(next to Butterfield's Garage Art Gallery)

December 15, 16, 21 and 22

Creekside Dinery and Saltwater Cowboy's 
specific dates tba...

Thanks friends!

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Thanks for supporting the arts in general and live music in particular!